Public Benefits Attorney

MAINE STATE BAR ASSN; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a dedicated Public Benefits Attorney to enhance economic security for low-income individuals in Maine. This full-time role involves representing clients in legal matters related to safety net programs such as TANF and SNAP, while also engaging in systemic advocacy and community outreach. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to economic and racial justice, along with the ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Join a mission-driven team that is passionate about making a difference and ensuring equitable access to legal services. This position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Retirement accounts with employer contribution

Generous vacation time

Generous sick time

14 paid holidays per year

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Maine and strong knowledge of legal systems.
• Experience working directly with low-income clients and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Handle civil legal needs for low-income residents focusing on safety net programs.
• Support systemic advocacy through impact litigation and community outreach.

Skills

Economic and racial justice analysis

TANF and SNAP law knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of state and federal laws

Organizational skills

Collaborative work

Sensitivity to low-income individuals

Education

Law degree

Experience in issues affecting low-income people

Tools

Microsoft Office

G-Suite

Salesforce

Job description

Maine Equal Justice is hiring a Public Benefits Attorney to help us increase economic security and opportunity in Maine!

Job Summary: Maine Equal Justice (MEJ) has an immediate opening for a passionate, mission-driven individual for a full-time Public Benefits Attorney position. This position is made possible by grant funding that expires in January 2027. MEJ cannot guarantee sustaining the position beyond that date.

The Attorney is responsible for handling a range of civil legal needs of low-income (200% FPL and below) residents of Maine with a focus on helping clients access safety net programs like TANF, SNAP, and MaineCare. As a litigator, the attorney will be in court or in administrative hearings on a regular basis to provide representation to clients. The attorney is expected to handle cases before state agencies, in all state courts, and federal court. The attorney is also expected to provide supervision support for the work of legal services paralegals, both in the provision of limited legal assistance and in other work specific to the attorney’s caseload.

In addition to direct representation, the attorney is responsible for supporting MEJ’s systemic advocacy through impact litigation and legal support on administrative and legislative advocacy. The attorney is also responsible for community engagement and networking to increase access to legal services by eligible individuals.

Maine Equal Justice is a nonprofit legal aid and economic justice organization located in Augusta, Maine that represents the interests of people with low income in the state legislature, before the courts and administrative agencies, and through outreach and education in the community. Maine Equal Justice works to increase economic security, opportunity, and equity in Maine, ensuring that people can access adequate health care, food, income security, and higher education and training.

Representative Tasks:

1. Handle legal work in accordance with MEJ relevant ethical and professional responsibilities;
2. Develop special expertise on issues related to TANF and SNAP and serve as a resource for program staff and volunteers in this area;
3. Accept cases consistent with program priorities and funder requirements;
4. Maintain client files in such a way that other staff can provide coverage during leave or in an emergency;
5. Ensure that all work-related communications (including correspondence and email) are handled in a professional manner;
6. Act as a valued contributor and supportive colleague to other members of the Legal Services Team and to the organization as a whole;
7. Provide appropriate paralegal support;
8. Actively participate in regular legal services meetings, and other office discussions;
9. Stay current in legal developments impacting work and utilize training opportunities that will strengthen trial and client skills on an ongoing basis;
10. Update or develop client education materials in plain language for use by the general public within areas of focus;
11. Identify and communicate effectively with individuals seeking legal assistance, including people in crisis and those who are at risk because of cultural, racial, medical or communication barriers;
12. Provide outgoing outreach and education to a diverse range of local, state, and national organizations and collaborations that work with low-income people to promote increased enforcement of legal rights and appropriate referrals to MEJ;
13. Utilize opportunities to engage with the private bar and public sector attorneys through activities or initiatives that will strengthen understanding and support of equal justice issues and/or the work of MEJ;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Commitment to and clear analysis of economic and racial justice and the ability to incorporate that analysis into their work.
2. Ability to build a strong knowledge base and expertise in the area of TANF and SNAP law and policy.
3. Knowledge of additional programs and resources throughout the state that provide services or benefits to low-income people.
4. Ability to evaluate a community members’ issues and concerns and make appropriate referrals.
5. Strong problem-solving skills.
6. Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations and ability to research through statutes, program manuals, and/or talking to appropriate experts.
7. Strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
8. Ability to work in a collaborative, rapid-paced environment.
9. Ability to work sensitively with individuals/families with low income.
10. Ability to work with a variety of individuals in coalition and as a team.
11. Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office and G-Suite. Salesforce experience is helpful but not required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in working on issues that affect low-income people, including direct client contact.
2. Knowledge and experience of the legal system and substantive and procedural law.
3. Law degree required.
4. Knowledge of a spoken language in addition to English is preferred but not required.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements: Admitted to practice law in Maine.

Location: This is a hybrid position. There is an expectation to work some days from Portland or Augusta with flexibility to work some remotely as well. Travel throughout the service area should be expected, as well as to court hearings, statewide trainings and meetings.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range of $68,000 - 72,000 based on experience. Health and dental insurance are provided, with premiums and deductibles mostly covered by employer, as well as employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance. MEJ offers retirement accounts with an annual employer contribution, generous vacation time (five weeks vacation in first year of employment), generous sick time, and 14 paid holidays per year.

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest and a resume addressed to Frank D’Alessandro, Director of Legal Services, and emailed to admin@mejp[dot]org (PDF’s preferred). Resumes submitted without a letter of interest will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until May 19th, 2025 (or until the position is filled.)

More information about Maine Equal Justice can be found at MaineEqualJustice.org. We encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and those with lived experience of poverty to apply. Maine Equal Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer.